Mercedes-Benz W123 series turns 50

Mercedes-Benz W123 series turns 50, still looks okay out there sometimes. Design holds up, kind of, lines feel right enough. See one now and wonder why it doesn’t look older. Maybe it’s the shape, maybe just memory. Feels less dated than it should, I think.

Mercedes-Benz 240D

Rumbles steady, never loud about it. Built to last forever, or close enough. Shifts slow but sure. Simple in ways that work. Still starts cold mornings like nothing happened. Maybe too basic for today.

Mercedes-Benz 300D

Quiet power that hangs around. Cabin smells old but good. Drives even, knows every curve somehow. Heavy feeling, but not bad heavy. Decades show in metal, not movement. Still going fine.

Mercedes-Benz 280E

Smooth pull that surprises now. Moves light for old iron. Elegant without trying hard. Windows seal tight, doors thud right. Understated stuff. Feels fancy quiet-like.

Mercedes-Benz 300TD

Wagon room that never ends. Hauls easy, rides calm. Rear glass drops like always. Turns heads soft. Useful more than flashy. Works too good maybe.

Mercedes-Benz 230E

Tight but roomy enough. Engine even, no hurry. City fine, highway okay too. Paint hangs on better than you’d think. Forgets its own age. Still decent.

Mercedes-Benz 300CE

Coupe curves catch eyes still. Roof smooth, doors weighty. Poised driving, dressed up feel. Wind stays out mostly. Special without noise. Kind of nice that way.

Mercedes-Benz 280TE

Wagon hauls past what’s fair. Tall, low fuss. Wood shines if you bother. Kids or stuff, no problem. Practical fancy. Lasts because it should.

Mercedes-Benz 450SEL

V8 quiet power. Long front, long reach. Cruises easy, stops firm. Old time feel but fits now. Big without pushy.

Mercedes-Benz 300SDL

Turbo whispers then growls some. Box tall, charm square. Hauls weight light. Startup smoke turns looks. Not for all, but works. Outlasts sheds probably.